Unchanged Indian team likely for Test Matches Series in Sri Lanka

The task would be cut out for the selectors as they would be looking ahead to pick the same Indian side for Sri Lanka which played against Bangladesh. Even after a splendid performance by second string side in Zimbabwe, the same old team is likely to be brought back against Sri Lanka. The side would be picked for the first three test matches against Sri Lanka starting from August 12 in Sri Lanka. The test matches will bring back the same strong 16 member side which played for Bangladesh in test.

Indian team has a relatively balanced side as Murli Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan are likely to be the opening duo at the top of the order. Dhawan would be raring to go back into the team and score some runs as his last century came in after 16 months. KL Rahul will be back for the Sri Lanka tour and most likely to get back in playing XI. On the other hand, there are some fitness concerns for Karn Sharma. The leg spinner was not picked up for Zimbabwe tour as well due to fractured finger. He was also not picked up in Bangladesh as Virat Kohli picked up three fast bowlers in the test match against Bangladesh on flat deck. However there would be more school of thought to be used as Amit Mishra is likely to be picked up as a replacement for Sharma. Amit Mishra has not played any longer format game for India since August 2011 and he is also ageing. However the leggie was picked up in India A squad as well so it suggests that he is in the scheme of things still. On the other hand, Axar Patel is another possible pick for the 16 man squad as he offers variety to the squad. It would still be unfair to Karn Sharma if he is fit to play. Harbhajan Singh is likely to be chosen after his recent good performances against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Rest in the bowling department, Ashwin, Bhuveneshwar Kumar, Varun Aaron, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma are likely to be picked.